Greek Farmers' Border Blockades Disrupt Balkan Trade Routes

Farmers across Greece have blocked major border crossings, causing kilometers-long queues of commercial trucks. The protests have severely disrupted trade flows in the Balkans for a second day. The demonstrators used tractors to close key crossings with Bulgaria, including Promachonas. They also obstructed roads at the ports of Igoumenitsa and Patras, critical gates to Italy. Protest leaders say the blockades highlight the growing economic pressures on rural communities. They cite rising production costs, high energy prices, and what they call unfair foreign competition as key grievances. The government has acknowledged the farmers' challenges. Officials state they are open to dialogue but have also urged protesters to allow essential supplies to pass.